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Dispersed Camping

Dispersed USFS

3 Reviews

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Dispersed USFS is located near varied terrain with elevations that can influence temperature ranges. The area experiences temperatures that can vary significantly between seasons, with cooler temperatures in higher elevations. Nearby, visitors can explore the natural beauty of the Eldorado National Forest and the scenic views of Lake Tahoe.

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Location

Dispersed USFS is located in California

Coordinates

38.6375261 N
119.91688136 W

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

Middle Creek & Expansion Campground - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2023 SEASON

12 min away

Upper Blue Lake Damsite Campground

12 min away

Drive Time

Presented by

1 hr 7 min from Carson City
1 hr 35 min from Reno
2 hrs 14 min from Sacramento
2 hrs 31 min from Stockton

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Connectivity

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T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Site Types

Dispersed

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Phone Service
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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Jacqueline G.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 2, 2025

Worth the climbs to get here!!

This is full wilderness camping off the main road between hope valley and the blue lakes. I had no problem getting in with my 30ft bus towing a jeep but the road is steep and winding for about 7 miles to the pull off. There were a lot of other campers for Labor Day weekend but the rest of the time there was no one around. Jugs of water can be filled at the campgrounds about 5 miles in each direction. PLEASE NOTE: There are prolonged climbs to get here (up to about 8% grade) but my bus did fine. Slow and steady and you’ll be fine. Also WATCH THE WEATHER! Rain can cause spots of the road in to get washed out a bit and deep puddles can appear. There are loads of rocks and fallen trees around to fill in holes if needed. If you’re moderate to high clearance rig you’ll be fine just be mindful. The Blue Lakes are just down the road for swimming, boating, kayaking etc and lots of amazing 4x4 trails. Rivers for fishing and endless hiking and biking. Elevation is 8300ft so definitely a bit high. The trees help with the air however. Not nearly as tough as the high desert of Utah (Zion or Brice) but just take it easy if you’re not used to high altitude.

Sitedispersed camping no amenities

Month of VisitAugust

(9) View All

Don D.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 29, 2021

Camping blue lake road

Great place if you’re self contained. Great view, space between sites.

Sitethere’s no sites with numbers out here.

Month of VisitJune

Ken J.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 8, 2019

Beautiful Free Camping

Several areas along Blue Lakes Rd offer dispersed camping. We had a wildflower-filled meadow to ourselves in early August with plenty of near-by trails for dirt bikes, Jeeping, horses, mountain biking or hiking.